I'm sad to report that God's Pocket, the quintessential ultra deluxe and awesome northwest diving destination, looks like they will be closing their doors in July :(

Its a very sad situation, but the owners need to retire due to health issues. They haven't been able to find a buyer. The logistics of running such an operation require a skillset that is hard to replace. Canadian laws also make things more complicated.

So, if you can find a spot to join them before they close, do so! You won't regret.

If there's off chance you may know of a qualified buyer (perhaps an operator elsewhere), talk them into it.

SJ and I are jumping on this and going up there Friday. We'll report if there's any further info to share...

That's tragic news for sure! I'm heading up there April 8th for my annual trip, I think for the 12th time in God's Pocket. I really hope they find a buyer before we lose this amazing treasure in the PNW!

Hi CalvinThe last challenge they were going through was renewing their lease. It took a while, but they made it thru that hurdle, and secured a new 30 year lease on the land. Getting thru that hurdle allowed them to put the place for sale....

This Friday's trip is all booked up now. The website https://www.godspocket.com/calendar/ says there is room for 12 on April 28, and there's missing info for May. Someone could check, but Im guessing they're booked as they usually book up years in advanced. I'm guessing there are 1-2 spots or waitlists for most of the remaining weeks.

Is the Browning Pass Hideaway an ok option these days, assuming they don't dump your gear into the water before you get there.....? I was also hoping to make it up there in the next year or two, but a last minute trip is definitely not happening for me.

Sharkb8 wrote:Is the Browning Pass Hideaway an ok option these days, assuming they don't dump your gear into the water before you get there.....? I was also hoping to make it up there in the next year or two, but a last minute trip is definitely not happening for me.

The Hideaway takes rustic adventures to a new level. To compare the two is like the difference between a seedy pay by the hour hotel and the Hyatt. GP is not fancy but it clean, well organized, well maintained and consistent. (and on solid ground) The Hideaway has the reputation for looking a bit like a floating junkyard.

YellowEye - it would be good to check on the Hideaway while you are there. I was at GP last August and we discussed the Hideaway. It is my understanding that the Hideaway lost their lease but have not closed their door.

I was trading emails with Bill a few weeks ago and he had some openings in June. He was still going to be operating in the fall then. Sad to hear they are closing. One of my favorite dive sites.

Confidence is the feeling you have before you understand the situation.

Greetings!We just got done with our week of diving at God's Pocket. Wow, another great trip!

Regarding the Hideaway.... People best ask John on the situation there... unclear.

If God's Pocket is not going to be swooped up as I dearly hope it will be, I will likely be visiting Browning Pass via Sun Fun divers the next time. Those guys run out of Port McNeil, but they trailer their boat out to Port Hardy as needed. They have a fast new boat.... we saw them out at the Pass this weekend! I'd love to dive the Port McNeil area again as well (haven't done it since Nautilus Explorer!).

I need to clarify... Bill/Annie are not exactly retiring due to health reasons. They'll be okay. They need to take care of their parents, as well as Bill's knees which are on the mend (he's up and walking around but had surgery). Some people are misunderstanding the situation, so please pass that along.

Looking forward to seeing your photos from the trip YellowEye! I'm heading up next weekend myself. I'm feeling really fortunate to have a final trip booked to Gods Pocket.

I'm looking forward to hearing more about this other operator that you found working browning pass. Any idea what sort of accomodations they offer? What what I found online it sounds a bit like the Nanaimo charters which run day boats and then you find a hotel onshore.

dlh wrote:I'm looking forward to hearing more about this other operator that you found working browning pass. Any idea what sort of accomodations they offer? What what I found online it sounds a bit like the Nanaimo charters which run day boats and then you find a hotel onshore.

ScubaJess wrote:Hey DLH,Can you please pick up my bio seal neck thing. I left it on the boat in the sunglass/hat holder. I'll also email Annie & Bill also to try to locate it for me Have a great trip!!!

First and foremost, we would like to express our gratitude for all the years of support that we have received from you. You have been like family to us and brought us great joy, excitement, inspiration, love, care, friendship and of course the odd headache. Thank you. Really, thank you so much. It has been a great run of 20 years.We are now finished with God’s Pocket and are looking forward to handing over the keys to three very excited people. They are working hard in the background to put together a very solid crew for a seamless transition of owners. It is important to them that you experience similar quality that God’s Pocket has offered over the years.So, we would like to introduce, Claus Eckbo, Antione Moret and Yolaine Cabana. Their plan is to take possession of God’s Pocket Aug 9, 2018. They intend to use the remainder of August to familiarize themselves with all the workings on and off the water. Once they are acclimated and confident, they intent to begin operating at full capacity beginning Sept 1, 2018. This is all subject to a speedy First Nation consultation in order to transfer the Park Use Permit from us to them as the new owners. As it will be their vision of God’s Pocket here on, they are welcoming you to email them any questions you might have. They can be reached at godspocket2018@gmail.com. What we do know is they have hired a Captain who is very experienced and has worked in this area for many years in the past.As you may remember, when we purchased God’s Pocket 20 years ago, we were told that we had ‘big boots to fill’. We are very grateful that you gave us the opportunity to show you what we were capable of. We do hope you do the same for the new owners.We do plan to keep in touch. You never know how paths will cross again in the future.Feel free to shoot us an email to say hi.Biggest Hugs to You !Annie and Bill